From Salinas we went to Guayaquil where we headed to the airport. From there we went up to the town of Canar where we joined the Panamericana Highway southbound and drove all the way to the city of Cuenca, where we stayed overnight. Cuenca is
the third largest city in Ecuador and it was declared Worlds Cultural Heritage Site in 1999 by UNESCO, due to its colonial historical past from the days of the Spanish Empire and the city maintains its charm and historical buildings such as churches,
convents, nunneries, plantation houses, and also much history related to the “canaris” – the indigenous group that lived in the region before the Incas. Cuenca stands 8.315 feet above sea level and is located along the Inca “highway”
which joined Cusco to Quito. Very interesting.

From Cuenca we continued on E35 (PanAm) till we reached the city of Loja, capital of the Province with the same name, where we had lunch, planning on crossing the border this same day at the border town
of Macara. On our way between Loja and Macara, a little before the border, we were stopped by a Customs Police Battalion for checking and inspection. All officers were very polite and competent, especially officers Rodriguez and Munoz, who asked us to visit
the RV (even filming it…)and gave us several orientation and information.

Since it was getting late we decided to get to Macara and stay overnight there to cross the border first thing the other day. Upon our arrival at Macara we were told all
gas stations closed at 10 pm…We asked for orientation on where we could safely stay overnight and were told the best and safest place would be at the local police Station. And there we went looking for the place, and we were warmly welcomed by the Chief
Officer of UPC Macara who, along with his men, were very friendly during our stay. The other day we left Ecuador just having our exit stamped in our passports and surrendering the vehicle document to the Customs. To enter Peru took a little longer
due to the computer system they use to fill out the vehicle importation form. But…we managed to enter Peru…